Former "SNL" cast member Will Ferrell returns to 30 Rock as host for the third time

Published May 13, 2012 at 5:30 AM | Updated at 4:50 PM EDT on May 13, 2012

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Will Ferrell delivers a Mother's Day message during his opening monologue to his mother.

Comedian and former "SNL" cast member Will Ferrell went back to his roots and hosted "SNL" for the third time, bringing along some former characters and cast members for the star-studded ride.

Ferrell brought out his iconic George W. Bush character at the start of the show. The sketch, which featured “Barack Obama” played by Fred Armisen and “Joe Biden” played by Jason Sudeikis, highlighted last week’s same-sex marriage announcement. Playing Biden’s “imaginary friend” George, Ferrell comforted an exasperated Biden. “I feel ya,” Ferrell’s Bush said. “I used to catch grief all the time from President Cheney.”

At the Wilson High School Alternative Prom, Ferrell was joined by Ana Gasteyer for their popular Marty and Bobbie Culp duo. This time around, they performed a LGBT-friendly medley of Adele’s “Rumor Has It,” Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass,” One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful,” and LMFAO’s “Sexy and I Know It.”

This week’s episode also celebrated The Lonely Island’s 100th digital short. The R-rated celebration featured a new song with Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone and Justin Bieber. The pre-filmed sketch was peppered with throwbacks to Digital Short favorites, including Justin Timberlake bearing presents in a box, a “crazy” Natalie Portman, and Jon Hamm reprising his role as Sergio the shirtless saxophonist.

Joining the roster of A-list appearances was another important guest: Ferrell’s mother. In his opening monologue, Ferrell commemorated Mother’s Day by delivering a self-proclaimed “best Mother’s Day message ever.” Forgoing the cue cards and speaking straight from his “brain place” to his “mouth hole,” Ferrell poetically declared his love for his mother.

“I love the way you be, you be a big ole’ mommy,” the comedian said. “I wanna cover you in super glue and roll you in flowers.”